A Durban-based humanitarian organisation has raised concerns about the welfare of mothers, newborn babies and pregnant women living at a temporary holding site in Durban while awaiting repatriation to Malawi.
According to Gift of the Needy, these groups remain among the most vulnerable at the North Beach site, where displaced Malawian migrants are being accommodated as authorities process their return home.
Thousands of undocumented Malawian nationals spent two weeks camped at Sherwood Park with their belongings after reportedly fleeing their homes amid alleged threats from anti-illegal immigration groups. They have since been relocated to Durban's old drive-in site at North Beach, where repatriation efforts are continuing.
Gift of the Needy says its volunteers have been assisting affected families since the early stages of the crisis, initially focusing on food relief before shifting attention to the needs of mothers and young children.
Founder, Faiaz Magid, said volunteers encountered several distressing cases, including a woman who had recently given birth to twins.
"My volunteer took me to the tents and showed me a lady who gave birth to twins about five days ago. I really feel sorry for these people and the challenges they are facing," he said.
Magid said he also met pregnant women and mothers caring for infants who were less than a month old.
"Can you imagine waiting in queues for food, water and basic necessities? It's very emotional. I have remained in contact with some of the families and mothers who have since returned home. They have contacted me to say they arrived safely and are doing well," he said.
The organisation has been providing essential supplies, including baby formula, cereal, diapers, purified water and sanitary products to mothers and their children.
Following a visit to the site on Tuesday, Magid appealed for additional support, saying the demand for assistance continues to grow.
"The numbers keep increasing. We may purchase supplies for a hundred mothers, but once we have assisted them, there are another hundred women waiting. We want to continue helping, but we need more support from the public," he said.
Magid called on individuals, businesses and corporate organisations to contribute either financially or through donations of essential goods.
"We want people, companies and corporates to come forward. Whether it's cash donations or goods, every contribution helps. In many cases, items such as cereal and other necessities are even more valuable," he said.
Gift of the Needy says it will continue providing humanitarian assistance at the site as repatriation efforts continue and vulnerable families await their journey home.